NH Kerk - White River / Witrivier

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Aka: Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk (Netherdutch Reformed Church of Africa)

Built: 1974

Architect: Dawson & Law (Nelspruit)

Building contractor: James Kruger

Location: Cnr Wally Scott and Van Riebeeck St, White River, Mpumalanga

View from east (1974)¹

Timeline

The Witrivier congregation was founded in 1930 with 22 members under the name of the Plaston congregation. For many years, the congregation was primarily dependent on the ministry of consultants. Growth in membership was very slow, and a church building was erected during 1950. In 1965, Witrivier built a parsonage.
  • Plaston is a rural, agricultural, and small-holding area located close to the main White River town and Nelspruit.

When Nelspruit became too large for a combined ministry in 1967 and Witrivier had to withdraw, 204 members undertook the act of faith to form their own ministerial charge. When the parsonage debt was settled in 1970 and the church building became too small, it was decided to erect a new church building as soon as possible. However, another site had to be found since the old church building was bordered on the side by a panel beating business, which did not provide a suitable environment for the construction of an elegant church building.

An erf was acquired and finalized in 1973, and the old church building was sold. On the new erf, a large municipal concrete water tank had to be removed at the congregation's expense. Construction began in October 1973 under the direction of architects Dawson and Law of Nelspruit and with Mr James Kruger as the builder. On 8 June 1974, the cornerstone was laid by Rev. J. P. B. Viljoen. On Sunday, 27 October 1974, farewell was taken of the old church building, which the congregation had continued to use freely in the meantime. On Saturday, 2 November, the new church building was commissioned.

View from south (2023). (Google Street)

Locality map

Sources

  1. Viljoen, J.P.B. Witrivier Wy Kerk In. Die Hervormer, Dec 1974.

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